Patio Doors Repair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors create a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. They can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by keeping the air within your home.
But with time, your sliding glass or French doors may lose their appeal. However, simple repairs can keep them looking and functioning like new.
Weatherstripping
It's 5 am and you're letting your dog out for his morning routine when you stumble into the puddle of water near your sliding patio doors. You look around and discover that the rain from last night blew in through the seals of your patio doors. Be prepared it's not going to be a simple task in five minutes. But with a little patience and a few tools to fix this, you can get it fixed and protect your dog from cold, wet feet.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping, which closes the gap between your door and jamb. This will keep out drafts, pests, and moisture. It also keeps your energy bills down. If you look at your windows and door, you can determine if the weatherstripping needs to be replaced or not.
There are a variety of weatherstripping to choose from that include open-cell and felt foam, thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and disadvantages. Foam and open-cell foam are inexpensive, but they also tend to be visible and not effective at blocking airflow. Vinyl is more expensive but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great choice for areas with high traffic since it won't deteriorate as easily.
To install new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors from the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, loosen the plugs that secure the weatherstripping at the bottom of frame. Then, remove the weatherstripping from the previous frame and scrape any adhesive from the frame's bottom. Then, cut the new to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip at one side and then apply it to the jamb with a putty knife.
Reinstall the door, and then adjust the roller screws to ensure that it sits properly in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and at the point where the edge of the panel is the frame. This is a less reliable seal than weatherstripping, however it will be able to last for a period of time.
Handles and Locks
Locks and handles for your patio door are essential to ensure the security of your home. Over time, they can be damaged or worn out and require replacement. The spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles could also need to be changed.
To replace a patio door handle, first remove the old handle by removing any screws that hold it in place. After you have removed the old handle, use a level and ensure that the patio door is straight. If the door isn't straight, it can interfere with the lock. This could lead to problems in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installation to make sure it is working properly. If you encounter any issues ask the manufacturer or a professional in the field for assistance. To avoid patio door repair in the future it is recommended to also lubricate the lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most commonly used door lock for patio doors is the mortise latch. It is usually constructed of steel and is placed inside a pocket which has been cut into the frame of the door. These kinds of locks are used on aluminum and wood sliding doors. Before purchasing a replacement mortise lock, you need to measure. You'll need to be aware of the location of the mounting holes and the location in the keyway lock.
Some patio door handles have a built-in locking mechanism that's integrated into the handle. The handles have a rectangular key cylinder which fits into the handle's keyway. If you have this kind of patio door, the inside and outside locks are combined into one unit. This type of patio doors are typically found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay fixed It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the jamb's hasp correctly. Another possibility is that the sliding door isn't completely parallel with the jamb's side. Try opening the door for about an inch and placing it against the frame to determine whether there is a gap between the door and the jamb. If there is a gap, reposition the rollers to the bottom left or right of the patio to make it exactly parallel to the jamb.
Misalignment
Over time the tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This could cause the door to stick or become difficult to move. It could also allow cold air and draughts be able to enter your home, which can decrease energy efficiency. Fortunately, misalignment is simple to fix and prevent. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will make your doors glide again. This is a good idea if you want to keep your doors running at their peak.
A damaged screen could also be an issue. It could be an inconvenience or even an issue. It may also hinder the doors from opening and closing properly, leading to energy loss. In some cases, the screen can be repaired but in other cases the door must be replaced. If you're experiencing a ripped screen, clean it thoroughly and try to avoid turning the handles of the door the wrong way when opening and closing.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to normal wear and tear or use. This can be fixed by tightening screws frequently. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself. If you're not confident doing it yourself, you must seek out a professional.
It is also recommended to clean the tracks and rollers of your patio doors frequently. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation your patio doors. You can also use a special tool to clear off rust or dirt that is hard to remove. It is possible to correct misalignment by tightening or inspecting the screws. But, at times, it is necessary to replace the hinges in order to ensure a lasting seal.
The alignment and performance of your patio doors can be affected if the frames are warped or sliding. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused due to poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can repair or replace the frame of your patio door and ensure it's aligned properly so that it can function optimally.
Rollers
Sliding patio doors are great for bringing the outside in while letting ample natural light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you have to yank the handle hard to get the door to move, or it isn't sliding as it used to it could be due to the rollers. Over time the lower track may get clogged by dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. It is possible to clean it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned but the rollers aren't able to move freely it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They can be found at most hardware stores, but you'll require a companion to assist with the removal and installation of the rollers. Take a picture of the rollers installed in the frame to assist the experts identify the exact model and type you require. You can also look for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples, cut-outs and flared edges which can narrow down replacement options.
After replacing the rollers, you'll need to put the sliding door into its frame. Get some help with this one as the door is quite heavy. Examine if there are any screws holding the track on either side of frame. If so, make sure they are loose enough to allow the bottom of door to fall into the channel above the frame. Remove the screen door from the opening. Make sure it's clear of the track tracks, rollers and track.
After you have installed the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. It should be lowered to ensure it is secured. If your new rollers are adjustable they can be adjusted to give the door a clearance where it needs it.